Richmond, the 400-year-old capital of Virginia, has been called the “perfect blend of old and new.” “Old” because it is the former capital of the Confederacy and the site of Civil War historical events that shaped our country’s history, and “new” because it is a thriving cosmopolitan center, offering a wealth of cultural, business, entertainment and educational events.

Visitors can set out on a leisurely cruise along the scenic James River, history buffs can venture back to the Civil War at Richmond National Battlefield Park, and families can visit new science museums for cutting-edge education and fun.

This family-friendly region offers a rich variety of activities as well as a diverse culture.

The American Civil War Center

A must-see on your visit is the American Civil War Center’s awe-inspiring display, “In the Cause of Liberty.”  This permanent flagship exhibit tells the “whole” story of the Civil War from three perspectives. The exhibit is housed in the 1861 Tredegar Gun Foundry. Upon entering the newly constructed entry pavilion, visitors begin their tour with a film entitled, “What Caused the Civil War?” and continue to move into the war years, finishing with legacies from the viewpoints of Unionists, Confederates and African Americans – the war’s three main participant groups. The museum is located at 500 Tredegar Street, next to the Richmond Civil War Visitor Center at the Tredegar Iron Works. The center offers views of the James River and is adjacent to the Canal Walk.

For information, call 804-780-1865 or visit www.tredegar.org. Admission prices range from $2–$8 for children and adults; $6 for seniors and free for children 6 and under. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Canal Walk

From the Civil War Visitor Center, take the Canal Walk, which meanders through downtown Richmond along the banks of the Haxall Canal and the James River and Kanawha Canal. It features four centuries of Richmond’s history depicted through fascinating history medallions, statues and exhibits. Visitors will learn about the historic River District, which once bustled with business and trade. Along the canals, barges were towed by teams of horses and mules years ago. Along the riverfront are the sites of former Indian trade routes and of early Colonial settlements.

Open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, the Canal Walk may be accessed by traveling south toward the river. The Canal Walk is wheelchair accessible at the end of 5th Street, 12th Street, 14th Street and 17th Street. Canal cruises run on weekends through Nov. 19. For information, visit www.venturerichmond.com.

Walk or bike over the pedestrian suspension bridge to Belle Isle, the site of a Civil War POW camp, which once housed up to 8,000 union soldiers. The remains of a Confederate gun emplacement still are visible on the western end of the hill. Bring your camera because from the bridge, you can see a breathtaking view of the Richmond skyline, the James River and railroad tracks, which all tell the fascinating story of this river city. For information, visit www.richmondriverfront.com.

Science and children’s museums

Need a break from the holiday frenzy? Take the family to the Science Museum of Virginia and the Children’s Museum for the younger set.

Both museums offer hours of interactive fun for everyone in the family. From dinosaurs and mummies to planets and computers, your school-age child will enjoy the hands-on exhibits at the science museum. The sky’s the limit at the planetarium through its night sky observations and special adventures. Through Nov. 11, the Carpenter Science Theatre Company presents “Stories of Ancient Egypt.” For information, visit www.smv.org or call 804-864-1533.

Preschoolers will enjoy the hands-on learning at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. Kids can climb, create, explore and play on the many exhibits and learning stations. Starting on Nov. 3, bring your wish list and visit with Legendary Santa and explore Genworth Financial’s Holiday Village, which explores six seasonal holidays including Hanukkah. For information, visit www.c-mor.org, or call 877-295-CMOR.

For information, log onto www.visit.richmond.com.